Two of the present authors (Gornall and Ohba) prefer to segregate Micranthes from Saxifraga on the basis of certain morphological differences (Webb & Gornall, Saxifrages of Europe, 1987) and data from DNA gene sequences (Soltis et al., Amer. J. Bot. 83: 371-382. 1996; and pers. comm.). However, for the purposes of this floristic treatment, Micranthes is treated as S. sect. Micranthes.

About 450 species: Asia, Europe, North America, South America (Andes), mainly in alpine areas; 216 species (139 endemic) in China.